FIDE Master (FM) Jaden Shaw and Amy Stephenson retained their National Junior Absolute and Female Chess Championships, respectively, after the completion of the nine-round tournament.

In the Absolute section the defending champion, PCI and Wolmerian Shaw, was crowned champion, closely followed by St Jago High School’s Jayden Foreshaw in second place. PCI’s John Stephenson placed third. In the female section, PCI’s Stephenson won while St Andrew High School’s Kaia Gayle was second. Junior Glory Murphy placed third.

“The competition was very close on all boards,” Jamaica Chess Federation (JCF) council member Richard Shaw said of the tournament. “In each round, the winners were decided in the final round of the competition.”

Shaw, on behalf of JCF, said he felt a deep sense of gratitude to twins Amy and John Stephenson, both playing in their final Junior event.

“They have represented Jamaica’s junior chess with distinction over the years, winning numerous titles at all the age group levels. The federation wishes them all the best as they embark on their professional senior chess careers,” he said.

The 2025 National Junior Absolute and Female Chess Championships is a JCF invitation only event which sees Jamaica’s top 20 junior chess players vying for national honours, cash awards, and the right to represent Jamaica internationally in an official capacity.